Current Status of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Japan

Abstract

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the only treatment for patients with psychiatric diseases such as depression and schizophrenia who are at imminent risk of suicide and require immediate intervention. Modified-ECT (m-ECT) using anesthetics and muscle relaxants is currently performed in clinical settings. m-ECT used to be performed mainly in general hospitals, but in recent years it has increasingly been used in psychiatric hospitals as well. In 2018, the anesthesia management fee for ECT was covered by health insurance. Anesthesiologists are expected to provide care for high-risk patients and patients with adverse events after ECT. Closer collaboration between psychiatrists and anesthesiologists and greater cooperation between psychiatric hospitals and general hospitals are needed to enhance the safety of ECT.